aya CORNELL . UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Cornell 74 S88 Library BX8381.G32 C74 1 ay e Genesee Annual Confere “Thin 1924 029 471 152 olin OX ¥3¢/ om 74 _ (8S Pein C Whe iy ae ta ae eed / FC? of stu ELS a ik. ¥ OF THE C{ENESEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE Methodigt Episcopal Church, : FROM ITS ORGANIZATION BY BISHOPS ASBURY AND M’KENDREE, IN 1810, TO THE YEAR 1884: EMBRACING THE MORE IMPORTANT PROCEEDINGS OF EVERY SESSION, WITH NOTES OF THE TIMES, AND NOTICES OF THE EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER ENTERPRISES OF THE CHURCH ; OF THE DIVISIONS OF THE CONFERENCE, AND OF THE ARRANGE- MENT OF THE ITINERANT WORK FROM YEAR TO YEAR; PIONEER EXPERIENCES, REMARKABLE REVIVALS AND CONVER- SIONS, BIOGRAPHIOAL SKETCHES, REMINIS- CENOES, INCIDENTS, ANECDOTES, ETC., ETO. BY REV. F. W. CONABLE,. OF THE GENESEE CONFERENCE. “It is a benefit to the world to wrest facts from oblivion, and give them a permanent record, if the facts give force to great principles, and if they are so set forth and clothed as to facilitate their study.”—Dr. G. Peck. SECOND EDITION. NEW YORK: PHILLIPS & HUNT. 1885. Vee A7o2438 PREFAOR. HIS volume, prepared in compliance with the request of the Genesee Conference, is large enough. The writer has endeavored to make it smaller rather than larger. The labor of its prepara- tion has been one of delicacy and difficulty, but at the same time, in some degree, a work of faith and love. The author has considered the tastes and reasonable expectations of the different classes of readers, but well understands that no one will find in the book every thing he might wish to see, while it is equally certain that every one will be gratified with many things he had not anticipated. Care has been taken in the preparation of the work to render due credit to the sources from which facts have been obtained. If the book shall be the means of inspiring in any minds confidence in Methodism as a form of vitalized Christianity, and especially if it shall aid the humblest reader in his progress heaven- ward, gratitude and glory will be due to God. To the members of Conference, and others, who have evinced a lively and generous interest in its prepara- tion, the volume is humbly and affectionately in- scribed. WESTERN NEw Vork, JZarch, 1876. — oa Illustrations. PORTRAIT OF BISHOP M’KENDREE.............0.0006 (Frontispiece. ) PORTRAIT OF REV. GLEZEN FILLMORE, D.D........ to face page 140 FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH EDIFICE IN BUREAEO® ii a gausehd od ecke opskendS maensisne aacw ene bee OF ss 148 GENESEE WESLEYAN SEMINARY... ...... ee cece ares f 312 DELAWARE AVENUE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, BUFFALO 2. .vsnas ope ee es SAS ewe eet ee oaeE a LS 404, PORTRAIT OF REV. THOMAS CARLTON, D.D........ ee 661 SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY we ccs cegins 2a odie ce dele oes < 704 METHODIST BOOK CONCERN AT NEW YORK........ 4s 728 CONTENTS. ——oo>-—___—_ CHAPTER I. FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CONFERENCE IN 1810, TO THE FORMATION OF THE CaNaDA CONFERENCE IN 1824, Szotion I. First Methodist Conference in America, 1773—Style of the General Minutes—Num- bers in Society—Conference boundaries first defined, 1796—Relative order of the Genesee Conference—Origin and meaning of the name Genesee—First use of the name in the General Minutes—Genesee Conference taken from the New York and Philadelphia Conferences—First session at Lyons—Bishops Asbury and M’Kendree presiding—Statistics—Genesee Conference not an inferior body. Action of the Conference relating to its own organization by discretionary authority of the bishops —Rey. Henry Boehm, and his approval—Daniel Dorsey—Names of renown—Anning Owen—Benoni Harris, and Dr. G. Peck’s account of him—Admissions into Confer- ence and ordinations—Resolutions—A ppointments of the preachers—Extracts from Dr. Peck’s ‘‘ Early Methodism’”—George Harmon—Anecdote of George Harmor and the Presbyterian Missionary—Loring Grant, and his early itinerancy—Interest- ing incidents—Holland Purchase Circuit in 1810—Chautauqua, and Billy Brown— Particulars from Gregg’s ‘ History of Methodism in the Erie Conference’”’—W. Jewett and Seth Mattison—Otsego Cireuit—Gideon A. Knowlton, his obituary.....Page 19 Section II. Session at Paris, 1811—Joyful meeting of the bishovs— Willia.u B. Lasty, secretary —A Inissions <1 d promotions—Joun Husselkus and his brother—Daniel Hosselkus, and his wife—Locations—Examinations of character—Election of Delegates to the General Conference—Kindness to needy preachers—Changes in the appvintments and long removals—Isaao B. Smith—Progress of the work of God—Mr. Harmon— Controversy on Baptism—Cayuga Cireuit—Ira Fairbank on the Mexico Circuit— Otsego Circuit—Isaac Teller and Samuel Ross—L. Grant, Marmaduke Pearce, and E. Metcalf, on the old Holland Purchase Circuit—Pioneer Life—Mrs. Lydia Seager’s account of early experiences west of the Genesee River—Incidents—Abner Chase’s “ Recollections ”—Thrilling account of the death of a wicked young man—Pleasing story—Statistics—Inerease of membership.... 1... -.eeee eee cece eee eee ee ees 39 Section III. ; Conference at Lyons, instead of Niagara, on account of the Declaration of War— Bishops Asbury and M’Kendree alternately presiding—Henry Boehm present— Confidence and love prevailing in the body—Pleasing reflections of Abner Chase— Admissions on trial and into full connection—Temporal economy—New arrange- ments of districts—Nathan Bangs’s connection with the Genesee Conference—Benja- min G. Paddock sent to “ Shetockway ”—Anning Owen to New Amsterdam—James Gilmore and his eccentricities—Methodism in Canada, represented by Dr. Stevens— Chase’s ‘t Recollections ?—Lau:s’s disaffection—-Charles Giles and Western Cireuit— Letter—E. White and R. Lanning on Otsego Circuit—Conversion of George Peck— Quotations from ‘‘ Early Methodism in Genesee Conference”—Death of Ebenezer White—Travel and hazards of district work—George Harmon and Susquehanna District—Statistics ........-.eseee eens tance eens ances secon ss oi nalieamewe cea gas OF 4 ConTENTS. Szction IV. Fourth session at Westmoreland, 1813—Asbury and M’Kendree—C. Giles, secre- tary—Fifteen loval preachers ordained—‘ Elder Goodier””—Particulars of those ad- mitted on trial—Conference action relating to W. B. Lacey—Report on Temporal Economy—Canadian Methodism during the war—Gideon Lanning at ‘‘ New Amster- dam”—Glezen Fillmore, local preacher—Lanning’s account of the early Methodists —A. Chase’s “ Recollections :”? Thomas Thorp—Influence of the war on the cause of religion—Canaan Circuit and its preachers—Mother Lee—Bridgewater Cireuit— Elijah Warren and his ‘‘ Impressions”—Broome Circuit—Burning of Buffalo by the British—Flizht of the inhabitants in the western part of the State—Glezen Fillmore and his record as circuit steward—Ralph Lanning—Chenango Cireuit—Grant and Bibbins, and the Peck family—John Dempster—Wyoming Circuit—Character of Genesee preachers—Returns of numbers, etc.......ecccsseeeecee ana ee Page 69 Section V. Conference at Genoa, 1814—Bishop M’Kendree—Conference ‘ stewards,” first so ealled—Elections to ministerial orders—John Husselkus located—William Conable’s testimony of him—Moses Hull and Joel Townsend, local deacons: Particulars con- cerning them—Examinations of character—Death of Anning Owen: his character— Appointments for 1814—Itinerant heroes—Charles Giles’s representation-—The bishop’s ‘‘ light-horsemen ”—Closing scenes of Conference session—C. Giles on the Oneida District and his estimation of his men—Abner Chase and his appointment— Jabez Treadwell—Zenas Jones—Union meeting in Litchfield—Bridgewater Circuit —Bibbins and Wyatt Chamberlayne—The ‘jumping spirit”? at Hopbottom—Gil- more on the Canaan Circuit—Increase...............0008 dia: Vintetointe s/eiste:siasaters eiaiete 82 Szotion VI. 1815. Conference again at Lyons—Remarks by C. Giles, the secretary—Benjamin Bidlack readmitted—John Dempster not admitted, but might be employed—Twelve members elected Delegates to the General Conference—Finances—A ppointments— Dr. Stevens respecting Canada—C. Giles and his district—The march of Methodism —Camp-meeting in the Oneida District—Mr. Giles’s sister—Death of Bishop Asbury— His character—General Conference at Baltimore—Removal of the bishop’s remains— The ‘cold summer’’—A. Chase’s account of the conversion of Cyrenus Wilbor: honor to him and his family—Israel Chamberlayne and the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Circuits—Letters of I. C.—Results of the labors of the year........... weee eee 93 Section VII. Conference at Paris, 1816—Preaching of Bishop M’Kendree on the Sabbath— George Peck, J. Dempster, and others admitted on trial—Appointments to Genesee District—A. Chase at Paris—The Unitarian Preacher—Seth Smith, father of Profess- or A. W. Smith—Labors and experiences of C. Giles on his district—Camp-meet- ing on Otsego Circuit—Demonstrations of intemperance—Interesting case of a dis- tiller—Camp-meeting on Litchfield Circuit—Isaac Puffer and James Hazen—Con- version of Hiram May—Broome Circuit—Dr. Peck’s account of Taylor and Foot— Dr. Grant of Smithville—Nathaniel Lewis—Joe Smith’s attempt to convert ‘‘ Uncle Nat.’ to Mormonism—Mother Grant—Camp-meeting in Hopbottom—aAlvin Torry and his call to the ministry—His own account of his trials—Reflections.......,. 106 Section VIII. Eighth session at Elizabethtown, Upper Canada, 1817; Bishop George presiding— Dr. Stevens’s account of this session—Methodism in Canada after the war—Account of Bishop George’s preaching by “‘ Pioneer’’—Canadian affairs as represented hy Dr. G. Peck—Appointments—G. Lanning sent to Detroit—Reference to the conver- sion of John Dempster—Lacey lost, but Dempster gained—Chase’s recollections of Otsego Circuit; Major Badger, ete.—A. Torry on Scipio Circuit—Camp-meeting on Wyoming Cireuit—“ Appendix” to the meeting—Cortland Circuit, E. Bibbins and CONTENTS. 5 G. Peck—Revival in the ‘Old Distillery’’—Purchase of the old Court-house at Cazenovia for a church—Prejudices of the Baptists and Presbyterians—Revival in Keeney’s Settlement—Ithaca: David Ayres—Statistics—Comparative strength of the Genesee Conference ......... ccc cee eee ees iin SNA Rcaie Dace toe ARE EN Page 120 Szotion IX, 1818. Conference at Lansing, Bishop Roberts presiding—C. Giles still secretary— Choice accessions—Ordinations—Medad Ferry—Elisha House—The Conference, touching the subject of Masonry—Appointments—Long removals—Aurora Seager, on the Clarence Circuit—G. Peck and Wyoming Circuit—Forty Fort—Bridgewater Cireuit: E. Doolittle and E. Paine—Canaan Circuit and Isaac Grant—Camp-meeting —Caleb Kendall—Giles on Chenango District—Glezen Fillmore at Buffalo—Ridge- way Circuit, and Z, Paddock—Alvin Torry and Long Point, Upper Canada—R. Lanning and first Society at Geneva—Results of the labors of the year.......... 139 Sxotion X. 1819. Session at Vienna—Bishop Roberts—Organization of a Conference Mission- ary and Bible Society—Measures to establish a Seminary—Delegates to General Conference—The ‘‘ Presiding Elder Question ””—Conference membership—Genesee District—G. Lane on Susquehanna District—Peck and Paine on Bridgewater Cir- cuit—Chase’s ‘ Recollections ”—Micah Seager oa Dansville Circuit—Fillmore’s second year at Buffalo—Close of the first decade of Genesee Conference............0006 158 Szorion XI. Conference at Lundy’s Lane, 1820—Quotation from Dr, Stevens—' Recollections ” —The Niagara—Matters at Cazenovia—Canadian affairs—Admissions—A ppointments —Anecdote of George Gary and Billy Hibbard—A. Chase and the Ontario District —WNew circuits—Glezen Fillmore at Clarence—EKfficiency and success of the Genesee preachers—Manly Tooker—His call to the ministry, ete.—District Conferences—Meth- odism in Warsaw—Interesting particulars from Turner’s ‘‘ History of Holland Pur- chase ”—Young’s ‘‘ History of Warsaw ”’—Pioneer Life—Increase in numbers.. 165 Srotion XII. Conference at Paris—Bishop George—William Case, secretary—Seminary: at Ithaca, or Cazenovia, which ?—Questions of the General Minutes—Decease of Al- pheus Davis—His character—Arrangement of the work in Canada—Important appointments—Incidents—John D. Gilbert—Speedsville—Numbers............ 181 Sxzotion XIII. In 1822, at Vienna—Bishop Roberts—Bishop Soule, and the question of the election of presiding elders—Resolutions—Project of the Seminary at Ithaca— Minute business—Appointments and the work—Isaac Stone—The ‘‘ Pioneer” and his roadster—Fillmore on the Erie District—Loud dreaming—Elisha Bibbins on Canaan Circuit—Bridgewater Circuit—J. Towner—Genesee District, G. Stoddard, P. E.—Orangeville Circuit, and John Cosart—Fitch Reed at Berkshire—E. Board- man on the Clarence Circuit—John Copeland in Eden—William Case in Upper Canada—A look upon the Conference in session ...........eeereeeeeee jin aveaneye 187 Szotion XIV. Westmoreland the seat of Conference for 1823—E. Bowen, secretary—Sixteen Delegates to the General Conference—Conference Boundaries—Provisions for the “Canada Conference’?—Geographical relations of the Pittsburgh Conterence— Question of a seminary settled in favor of Cazenovia—Questions of the General Minutes—Joseph M’Creery—Trouble with E. O’Flyng—-Obituaries of A. Gifford and J. G. Peal—Appointments—Giles and Tooker—Sweden Circuit: Cosart and James Hemmingway—Alvin Torry on the Grand River Mission—The Lyons Charge, and 6 ConrTeENTS. prosperity—Farewell to Canada—Sketches of Character: Case, Ryan, J. B. Smith, Pattie, Holmes, Madden, Belton, Wyatt Chamberlayne, Demorest, Philander BiMith: ccoverg shun vesieke byes Gy outs BRCM we chee EERE. wigwanssaones Page 198 CHAPTER II. FRoM THE ORGANIZATION:-OF THE CANADA CONFERENCE IN 1824, TO THE FORMA- TION OF THE ONEIDA CONFERENCE IN 1828. Section I. Conference at Lansing—Bishops George and Hedding—Jonathan Huestis, secretary —Admirable men giving character to the body—Bishop Hedding’s first acquaintance with the Conference—Strong committee on the business of the Conference seminary— The Institution now fully organized—New era for Methodism—Course of Study for candidates—Finances—Dr. Bangs and the Book Concern—Admissions, etc.—First vol- ume of the Conference Journals—Dr. Bangs’s visit to Canada—Erie Canal—Progress of society, and development of the resources of the country of Western New York— State of feeling in Canada—Dr. Bangs’s sister, Sarah Smith—Celebration of the com- pletion of the Erie Canal: important to Methodism—Arrangement of the work — Hiram May and Malone—Erie District—P. D. Horton—Population of the village of Buffalo—M. Tooker’s jottings—L. Grant and J. Wiley on Caroline Circuit—Camp- meeting—G. Peck and the Susquehanna District—J. Copeland and the old Lewis- ton Cireuit—First Church at Pekin—Conversion of Orange Judd and Thomas Carlton —Execution of the three Thayers, Glezen Fillmore preaching on the occasion—Camp- meeting on Wyalusing Charge—G. Lanning and Robert Parker on the Geneva and Canandaigiia Circtit=—StatistiGsin., ss siec wesc seca cace case ave sites seeweeee woieeee 219 Sxcrion II. : Conference again at Lansing, 1825—Bishop Hedding—Camp-meeting near by— Miscellaneous items—M. Tooker on the Cayuga Circuit—Perry charge—Copeland and Barbary on the Wyoming Circuit—Wonderful camp-meeting—Darius Williams —Camp-meeting in Canaan—N. Porter, principal of the Cazenovia Seminary—Fitch Reed at Cazenovia—Dan Barnes and the Black River District—Success of the JOA. weer c cence cece ce ence ena ee anette naceneerneenenaneneenateenesasedbence 232 Srcrion III. Conference in Palmyra, 1826—Short Conference year—Bishops M’Kendree and Hedding present—The patriarchal M’Kendree’s sermon to the candidates for ordi- nation—'he senior bishop’s last visit to Genesee—His affectionate farewell—Move- ment relating toa Weekly Religious Paper in New York—Specialties—Micah Seager appointed to the Genesee District—H. Agard to the Susquehanna—G. Peck to the Wyoming Cireuit—M. Tooker at Auburn: his chaplainey to the State-prison— Deeply interesting cases of conversion, related in “Karly Methodism ”’—James Noble, Esq.—Spencer Cireuit—Commencement of the publication of the ‘“ Christian Advocate ”’—B. Sabin at Ithaca—J. H. Wallace on the Herkimer Cireuit—Copeland on the Ridgeway—First Society in Otto—Boston Circuit, and Wiley, and Hoag—Pros- perity in the Black River District, G. Stoddard, P. E.—Chenango District—Conver- sion of Universalists, Deists, and Atheists—Extensive work of salvation in the Batavia Circuit —Interesting article in the “ Christian Advocate” from G. Fillmore— L. Grant’s account of the work of God in the Buffalo District—Numerous and thrilling revival accounts—H. F. Rowe, J. Dempster in Rochester—Large in- CVCABE as crak tears spans preg clan same ogee A HERR SO Saami ane do bu ee sienna ook 259 Section IV. 1827. Eighteenth session, at Wilkesbarre—Bishop George—His last visit—His character and death—Kighteen Delegates elected to the General Conference—Resolu- tion in opposition to young preachers and local preachers attending Conferonce— ‘CONTENTS. 7 Committee to address the people on the subject of establishiug Sunday-schools— Missionary Treasurer’s Report—Probationers—Appointments—Buffalo District, em- bracing the entire territory of the late Genesee Conference—Progress of Religion during.the year—Numerous revival notices—Wilbur Hoag’s defense of Methodism in the old Lewiston Cireuit—General movement in the Sunday-school work—Sunday- school and Tract depositories—Death of the Rev. Stephen Randall, local preacher— Numbers—Then and now ..... HPAL NES RGA Fave J dud aan Kae dda ee Won Page 256 Section V. Conference at Ithaca, Bishop Roberts presiding—M. Tooker secretary—Local preachers allowed to sit in Conference—Cases of arrest of character—Trustees of the Seminary—Dempster’s interest in the education of young men—Action relating to the division of the Conference—Conference membership—A ppointments—Pottsdam District, B. G. Paddock, P. E.—Perry Cireuit—W. Hoag and Joseph Atwood—Con- version of Richard L. Waite—Tooker at Geneva—Butfalo District—Erection of churches—Denominational Bible Society—Relation of our Church to the American Bible Society—John Parker and V. M. Coryell on the Canaan Circuit—' Universal- ism renounced under the gallows’’—The support of the ministry—A Steward of Litchfield Circuit against ‘‘ Excuses for not paying Quarterage’»—Dr. Dempster and the cause of education—Elegant extract—Conference divided by action of the Gen- eral Conference—Kindly adieu to a majority of the brethren of the Conference— Comparative strength of the new Oneida Conference—Leading men of the two Con- ferences—Sketches of character, ete.—Giles, Dan Barnes, Bowen, Harmon, Dempster, Gary, B. G. Paddock, Z. Paddock, Puffer, G. Peck, Keyes, Agard, Stoddard, Kelsey, E. Whipple, R. Laning, J. Ercanbrack, Z. Jones, 8. Bibbins, E. Bibbins, Lambert, 1, Grant, William Cameron.......... ese ar ee NG ek dead eve Naw 296 Peeew een oe 265 CHAPTER III. From 1829 TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE EAst GENESEE CONFERENCE IN 1848 Secrion I. Perry the seat of the Conference in 1829—R. R. Roberts bishop, M. Tooker secre- tary—Peter F. Baker, deceased—Memoir—Opposition to the Masonic fraternity— Conference relation of G. Laning—Honor to the man—Action touching the Proviso connected with the Six Restrictive Rules—Initiatory proceeding looking to the erection of a Seminary within the bounds of this Conference—Responsibility and honor enough for one day—Neglect of the Fifth Collection—Sitting to ask the Divine blessing befcsre meals condemned—To enforce the rule relating to the use of ‘ardent spirit” —Admissions, ordinations, ete.—Local deacons, W. Gordon, H. Moore, G. W. Proper —Conference in four districts—Number of stations and circuits, forty-two—A ppoint- ments—John Copeland on the ‘‘ Steuben District”—Revivals—Glorious year with Israel C, and Gideon O. on the Ulysses and Ovid Cireuit.............. $ekanee oes 301 Section II. The twenty-first session at Rochester, 1830—Bishop Hedding—Rev. 8. Merwin present as agent of the contemplated University at Middletown, Conn.—ZJ. Huestis not transferred—Action on Temperance, Sabbath observances and ‘‘ mourning ap- parel ’—Inquiry into the state of discipline within our bounds—Publice worship, singing-schools, and the use of the ‘‘ Harmonist ”—Report of the Trustees of the Gene- see and Oneida Conference Seminary at Cazenovia—Conference guarding the purity of its members—Lima the site for the new institution appropriately named ‘‘ The Genesee Wesleyan Seminary ’—Appointments for the same—Missionary matters— Admissions—Appointments—A year of extraordinary revivals throughout the Confer- ence, numerous accounts, and a large ingathering of souls—Several of the converts becoming ministers ... 0.6.6... eee ee ee eee eee eee renee cee e teen eee es 309 8 ContTENTS. Szorion II. 1831, At Le Roy—Bishops Soule and Hedding—Day of fasting and prayer—Educa- _tional matters—Interests of the General Book Concern—Delegates to the General Conference—Sunday-schools and Sunday-school books—American Colonization and temperance societies—Various matters—Revivals not so nurerous this year— Tooker at Brockport—Fillmore in Rochester, a growing ‘‘ village ”—T. Carlton and William D. Buck on the Dansville Cireuit—Interesting personal references of the latter—Carlton in Springwater—Methodism in Groveland—Cosart on the Rushford Circuit-—References to Sweden, Attica, and Seneca Circuits—Pultneyville, I. Fair- bank and A. Steele—Remarkable story of Sistor M. Thatcher—Fair increase—Mem- bers by district8........ce cece eee ence cece cree ence en eeens Had woh KoA Ke Page 322 Szcrion IV, 1832, Session at Penn Yan—Bishop Hedding in the chair—Tooker secretary— Transfer of Dr. S. Luckey, Principal of the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, from New York—Rev. B. Waugh, Book Agent—The course of study—Draft on the Book Con- cern for $800—Case of Elijah Boardman—Sources of missionary moneys—Action relating to the ratio of representation, Canada affairs, and the alternation of the General Rule on ardent spirits—Paper respecting the Asiatic cholera adopted—New re- cruits—Appointments—Presiding elders—Arrangement of the districts—Case of Sylvester Carey—M. Seager on the Buffalo District, and letter from him—Tooker’s Jottings—Seneca Lake District—J. Cosart on friendship—Living off the cireuit— —Bloomfield, J. Wiley, and R. L. Waite—M. Ferguson and the Universalist minis- ter—Perry and Covington Circuit, Chamberlayne, Woodworth, and Benedict—Inter- esting conversions—M. D. Lord—Dr. C.’s preaching effectual in his conversion— Warren Tompkins, and others—Revivals—Dedication at Mount Morris—Great vic- tories for Christ on Crooked Lake Circuit under Allen Steele—Times of spiritual power on the Ontario District, Abner Chase—Goodyear at Lockport—Prosperity at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary—New Church at Rochester—Ripe fruit—Net increase... .... pana Ke sje dees eee LRM Seweeden Mess ON RRe Meaty ew a Cee Fe 331 Srotion V. Twenty-fourth session at West Mendon, near Lima, 1833—Bishop Hedding, presi- dent—His arduous toils—Affairs of the seminary: Conference invited to dine there— Pastoral address provided for—Discussion relative to the seminary—Charter of in- corporation—Painfully interesting case of Rev. E. K. Avery, of the New England Conference—Large class admitted on trial—Promotions to membership and orders— “Died this year,” Dennison Smith and Chester V. Adgate—Sketches—Fine show- ing of the Sunday-school report—Some particulars of the appointment—James Hemingway as a preacher, ete.—Ebenezer Latimer transferred to us from the New York Conference—Chamberlayne, Alverson, A. Story, and G. Benedict, appointed to Perry aud Covington—W. D. Buck and A. F. Waller on the Friendship Cireuit— Glorious year: ‘‘ Elder Dewey” and Samuel Pitt—Tibbett’s Hill—‘ The Little schoo]-Master”’—James Durham at Middleport—J. Dodge at Buffalo—Interesting case of conversion on the Pembroke cireuit—W. D. Jewett—Schuyler Seager at Lockport, interesting particulars concerning him and his suecess—Church dedicated at L.—Glorious work under S. W. D. Chase at Brockport—Murray, Attica and Alex- ander, and Lodi charges favored with revivals—‘‘Special Providence” at Lyons, as related by Thomas Carlton in ‘‘ Christian Advocate’”—Sweden, East Otto, Springville Troupsburgh, Seneca Falls, and Bath favored with revivalists and revivals—Elder Fillmore in Rochester and on Rochester District: his great faith and thrilling in- stances of conversion at Genesee—Mrs. Eleanor Dorsey, her character and death— Coincidences in the relations, labors, character, and death of Lewis Prindle and Jobin: Conk it jes.5. 5-0 we caves Oa eeeecass de venue minonae eiaded orelaied Pacha aero siad Qa gia eetis 348 ConrTENTS. 9 Section VI. The annual convocation at Brockport, 1884—A needful hint—Opon or closed doors ?—Rev. E. Hebard, William R. Babcock, and Benjamin Shipman, transferred to this Conference—Consideration of educational interest—Amendment of the Course of Study—Members to preach expressly on education—Publishing Fund and Book Concern—First instances of decrease in number—Questions of General Minutes— Deceased, Menzer Doud and Caleb Kendall—Particulars concerning them—Appoint- ments—Glezen Fillmore and his old battle ground—‘‘ Aunt Vina”—Loring Grant and the Java Mission—Baptism ofa child by Ira Fairbank in 1820—De Forest Par- sons at Pike—Richard Wright and a baptismal scene—Fuller Atchinson-—The Soci- ety in Rawson Settlement, Rushford Cireuit—Methodism in Rushford—William D. Buck on the Olean Circuit—Rochester church burned—Report of the Java Mission— Dr. Luckey and the Rochester District—Relief for the Church in Rochester—Prosper- ity on the Ontario District—Peculiar talents and characteristics of John H. Wal- lace and Loomis Benjamin—Revival—Asa Story—Article from Thomas Castleton —Death of Bishop M’Kendree ........ cece cece cee eee eee e ee eter eeeeenee Page 364 Section VII. Lockport, 1835—Bishop Hedding presiding instead of Bishop John Emory—J. J. Huestis still secretary —Decease of Joseph Tompkinson; his memoir—Items— Churches and parsonages—Conference a good Total Abstinence Society—‘‘ College at Auburn”’—Visit of Dr. Martin Ruter—Bishop Hedding solicited to fix his residence within the bounds of the Genesee Conference—More laborers sent forth—Traveling and local deacons and elders—Rev. Josiah L. Parish in Pike and Oregon—Distri- bution of one hundred and thirty laborers—Philo Woodworth in Pike, and brief sketch—The first effort of an exhorter—G. Benedict and the Church at Clarence— Death of Bishop Emory- Burning of the Methodist Book Concern—More of the College at Auburn—Revivals—Matters in the city of Rochester—Church dedicated in Castile—A. F. Waller, and his account of the great ‘‘ water privilege ” at Wiscoy —The Genesee Wesleyan Seminary—Dr. Luckey elected Editor of the ‘Christian Advocate ””—His account of the Lima school—Marriage of young preachers—Labor and results of the year. ...... ccc cece cece eet e eee e were nee eeeet ceneeecenenes 875 Sxction VIII. Bishop Beverly Waugh at Canandaigua, 1836—Cases of Mal-administration—Case of expulsion—Locations—Honor to Thomas G. Ruger—Decrease in the entire con- nection—J. Wiley, agent, and S. Seager, professor in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary —Rev. James H. Wallon, W. Fowler, and G. Benedict on Batavia and Alexander Cireuit—Albert G. Terry and the Terry family—The old Franklinville Circuit, and surrounding country—C. 8. Coates at Waterloo, and N. T. reclaimed from Uni- versalism to Orthodoxy—Alpha Wright and the Angelica Charge—Castleton’s re- port of Java and Sardinia—The work in Warsaw, the Presbyterians and Meth- odists change works—Prosperity in the Seneca Lake District, B. Shipman P. E.— Sodus Circuit—Glory of God revealed in Springville Charge—Note of triumph from Buffalo—Pembroke Circuit and historical facts, by A. Palmer—First Society west of Genesee River—David Hamlin and others—E. C. Sanborn and the Niagara Circuit _A, N. Fillmore at Medina—Other notices—The ‘‘ Auburn Banner”’—Rev. M. Tooker’s account of the Weekly Periodical at Auburn—Address at Conference—Dr. I. Chamberlayne Editor of the “‘ Banner ’—His introductory editorial—First Church edifice in AKTOD 1... cc ceccec cece rence cern ee eeee nee enee seer eeeneeeerensrees 870 Szorion IX. The twenty-eighth session at Perry, 1887—Bishop Hedding, President, and Huestis and Hoag secretaries—A look from the gallery—Dr. Bangs, Corresponding Secretary of the Parent Missionary Society, present, and G. Lane, Book Agent—O. Scott and G. Storrs in town—Agitation on the subject of slavery—Action of the Conference IO CONTENTS, on the question—Bishop Hedding’s address on Slavery and the Church—Publication of the address- -Report of the Commitee on Slavery in response to petitions and memorials—Organization of the ‘‘ Methodist Preachers’ Antislavery Society ’’—Dr. Chamberlayne’s editorial notes of the Conference—Rev. D. P. Kidder’s ordination for the Mission to Rio de Janeiro—His address at the missionary anniversary—A touching and inspiring scene—His letter to ‘‘ Brother Chamberlayne” before sailing trom Boston—The usual conference questions answered—Freeborn G. Hit bard: his re-admissior. in the Genesee Conference—Pleasant particulars concerning Lim—Brief notices of Justus Rice, George Kuck, and Sheldon C. Townsend, orda‘ned local preachers—Sketch and anecdote of Samuel Pitt—Josiah F. Mason—F. W. Conable becomes an Itinerant—Smethport Cireuit—Sketch of Richard Chadwick—Other rames—Judge James Brooks and family—Buffalo District, Glezen Fillmore and the Patriot War—Exciting revival scenes and remarkable conversion at Lockport— Wonderful work under the labors of W. D. Buck in the old Lewiston Circuit— The family of Isaac B. Smith—'‘The Sleeping Preacher’’—War and revivals on the Niagara frontier—Prosperity at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary—Large TOOKOASGl. - SST jeer eeret es aasouay| Ses @S8I at “soulep ‘[[Jausox es are “gojsael) Aq] 287 GIST “QOUAPIAOId| GIST | GL8T | 7 ‘A ‘Walapooy ae “XN Tequa9 ‘sanrepmog Jo asuvyo fq] 99st 9L8I JOA HOC) FORT | FOST | ZL [ACN] SESE [ott M “D ‘gosqry 181 “AN Teja] solwpunoq Jo asaeyo Ad} E9gt OLS. ‘oasouioy IStd| T9BSL | TeSE | ar se sroeesy ‘parvqqiy ~~ Rg nee ese rie “uoreqoid Ag} 2287 BLBI “7 veesamay}| 2st | LST | SL “tM tg ‘so7ey “S18 “ACN TR.Ua0 ajsuvty rd a oO ° B 0g oO 5 a8 ea | 2 | 4 : “yoeg JO 1v9X TIM on Se = B | ‘quia S *s0Ma19JUOQ vasouay) om *poulor = = g os i ‘po1ejug og 5 a jo a SANVN Buysojugq Jo sport BS aoUaIaJUO) ISIN g a SeoMalogu0N 10T0 “qaNIVayO a ‘AOVUGNIEIDNI| & oR me 3 NUH BR -ULING 10 UVaA) F “‘aONIINOO—KAAVUVOID AONTUAANOOD “CST A ‘N [BITAD |” “SIT “ACN [RaW “OSsT “AN TR1U9O) * LIST “UU g9r ‘sesURY COST “TSST “IOATY HORA “LOST ‘aasouey yseq|*" Aq ‘By, * daysuesy Aq “Q9ST *|saltepunoq Jo asueyo Ag “ust “KON 12191099 | ‘SPSL ‘easoueD “af “@L8I oo N e029 “SPSL ‘oosouey Ise "SFR ‘AaSoMAy) ISB 80 A *N [e1WaD SLGQL ‘eesemex) yseq|- “g9ST “AN [eU9D “CSI “A “N TRU) ‘gosouoy) "BIBL AN “9090 ‘9h, ‘orra|** “goMeqoid «gq! “moleqoid Ag’! 5 “-moreqoid Aq soliezpunoqg Jo ssuvyo Ag “soltepunog Jo asus Ag Jaysme4 Aq “gg, | woryeqord Aq “2287 * gojsuey Ag Sag HUdeid Ag. Ba aeBONICG jo asueyo Ag, Hoes sees ee raysuey bas] e | 2 | fy ¢ 18/8 g Pie | ge sa | 2 | 4 3 “qoug Jo IVA TIA . 5 @& age eB | & “WNL ae : *a0ngIejJMOD d9seT9H) Bo: *peuror 5 ‘ 8 w ‘poray0g : Sa 5 a jo a “SaNVN Bullayuyq Jo spo Bs e0UaIIJUOOD 4SILA 5 > SoOTIaIETUOD 10010 - ‘GINIVAYO & g “AONVUENILIONI] & aovld ca NOH 8 a AGING dOUvEA; & ‘daaNTON0OO—XHAdMVUNOIG AONPAYAANOD SIATISI ICS, 4604. MISCELLANEA. Number of Ministers in Genesee Conference....... ccc es cece ee eseeereee 259 Average Age of Mimisters...... 0.0 cee cece cere nee ser evens cececs 50 years Average Age at time of Conversion. ........0c. cc cee eee cece wena 17 years Number of Conference Members who are Pastors (including Presiding Elders). 184 Number who are in Educational and Literary Work, etc..............0.000- 9 Number who are Supernumerary...... see cece cece cece cece rece eee teneee 20 Number who are Superannuated............. 0.00000 couaistbsasd Biavareri ausies eae 43 Number of Pastors in Conference Last Year (including Probationers and SUpplles) cuss sets seeele See coat eae tok Vek Meee aeigodisleoeae.d 219 Number of Lay Members (including Probationers) .............0+0005. 27,438 Average Number of Members to each Pastor........ sees cee ce cece eeeee 125 Net Gain of Full Members during the past year......... cs eee ee eee eee eee 483 Average Net Gain for each Pastor....... suine 2GaUWeaesagus eabUbWes gow ones 24 Number of Adult Baptisms...... 6... cscs cee ce eee ese et cece cence eences 1,163 Average to each Pastor......+..- sid aca0a ielapa fore scene ceeig Ta CGia eid Sie ses, stock ashe eidearers 53 Number of Infant Baptisms. .........ecee eee ee eee eee e eee eee eenees 561 Average to each Pastor .... ce ee secre cere cece tcc e eee eee e tere esac ncenes 2k Number of Sunday-school Scholars.... 2... sess eeeeee sees e eee eeeeee eee 33,082 Average to each PastOr......eee eee e eee teen cent cece eee e teen eee aee 151 Average Salary Allowed each *Pastor, including use of Parsonage........ $834 Average Salary Paid each *Pastor, including Donations ...........+-.--- $842 Total Benevolent Collections for entire Conference........-.-..eeeeee $26,304 Average for each Pastor....... sees e cece cere nent e ene een en en eeees $120 Average for each Member and Probationer.....-..se.seeeeeeseeeeee 96 cents Total Value of Church Edifices in Genesee Conference........-..- $1,837,565 Average Value of Church Edifices.... css. sececeee cece scene tence eeces $5,585 Total Value of Parsonages ...... eee ee eee eeeeeeenee pideteiaredaea ak $309,850 Average Value of Parsonages.......+-eeseeeeeeeees aid uaovevevolieyaeereaaveuaite $1,656 Total Current Expenses for all the Churches........... esses ress enone $43,289 Average for each Church...... Seige aeaaWh ok bw Gea eea eee ewe $131 * The word Pastor here includes Presiding Elder. hPa pete ht Sia ale Ss RRS A ae e eed if, fy» POD an a ee hy Ut ive, 2 AEM ik A ge 7 ae i Yoda f - cabin - 4 5 i= “pe i. iraabaake . a eres Ne pt ay) 6-6¢ Fs pene 7 +h, Lae Ries be . * Qeatie ALP Gt be. ps, (Sellar lhe fen fia £ - ee / aes . t prema & wi ee) TL lasts damratTolf tal PAL Steppe sfc Mae, if rae 1 Cyc ty ger wih peg) Sane i 2] 2 Neat ji earlier permet 9 teart bk ‘76, Wie | ue : ; goa Ligne ‘ / fae A a ra pt A b& +h Ca a 6, Mh. try tr wile A eae. bg wre. Copan Evry